What Tech Gadget Would you Buy?

[nexesn]

I feel like buying some type of tech gadget. But, can't think of what. I have a laptop that functions well, I have a flat screen TV (it's 7 years old, but still running strong). I also already have a tablet (iPad). I don't need a new phone, and I already have a great DSLR camera (Yes, I use the DSLR, I enjoy photography).

What's on your radar as the next neat tech gadget you're interested in buying?

[bloom2708]

Buy one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockville-BluT ... ctupt=true

Then you can spend a lot of time trying different speakers and listening to music. Oh wait, that is what I like doing.

Maybe doesn't qualify as "tech".

[Rupert]

Home automation devices?

[Iridium]

I am waiting to see what Microsoft announces for Hololens this month. At the right price, I could imagine playing with one.

[nexesn]

Buy one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockville-BluT ... ctupt=true

Then you can spend a lot of time trying different speakers and listening to music. Oh wait, that is what I like doing.

Maybe doesn't qualify as "tech".

I am waiting to see what Microsoft announces for Hololens this month. At the right price, I could imagine playing with one.

Fun little Amp. I like that they have the bulbs.

Hololens. I didn't realize MS was announcing something. I'll have to keep an eye out.

[VictoriaF]

I'd like to have two types of gadgets or apps:
1. Voice-to-text function that would accurately transcribe my accent.
2. Handwriting recognition: not writing with a stylus on a tablet but feeding my handwritten notes and getting back typed text.

Victoria

[jjface]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

[stoptothink]

Not sure if it counts, but I'm buying an e-assisted fat bike when we get the house paid off (~3 more years). I find most tech gadgets almost value-less in my life - my wife has a habit of buying new gadgets and never using them at all (my nieces are the benefactors) - but a bike that I can ride 12 months a year, in snow and sand, and that will cruise at 25mph for 30 miles or so without almost any effort from me; that's something I'll use almost daily.

[2015]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

This.
Over the long run, spending for the sake of spending doesn't end well. We are constantly becoming as a result of the actions we take daily.

[longleaf]

ALPriority
Wait for the Uniden R7

[Broken Man 1999]

Home automation devices?

That is what I am buying. Every now and then Amazon sells a plug-in that is compatible with Alexa for $10. When I see one at that price, I buy one; it seems a purchase of one is the limit when offered at the lower sales price.

Broken Man 1999

[LaurieAnnaT]

I'm considering buying some smart speakers. I was at my brother's house at New Year's and they have several Sonos speakers which attach to their network via wi-fi. You can have the speakers all playing your music in several rooms at once - handy if you're doing chores in several rooms.

[Jim21713]

Drone, with a camera.

[ttjt_99]

My wife and I just picked up the Philips Hue colored lightbulb and hub for our livingroom. It was a little pricey, but on eBay you can get them for a bit cheaper. It's really nice when listening to music or watching a movie to set the lights to a color other than your usual white bulbs. Works nicely with Alexa too and other smart devices if you're into the home automation thing.

[quantAndHold]

All the guys at work really like the Oculus Rift. Be careful, though. Several of them have hurt themselves leaning on things that didn’t exist.

[Dottie57]

Drone, with a camera.

I think this sounds like fun.

[mhc]

At Christmas I replace my clock radio with a Google Home Hub. I love it.

[Earl Lemongrab]

Yeah, I don't get the "I want to buy something but I don't know what."

Anyway, the most recent thing I bought was a Roku for my older TV. I like it. Yours might already have that built-in.

[nexesn]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

This.
Over the long run, spending for the sake of spending doesn't end well. We are constantly becoming as a result of the actions we take daily.

Yeah, I don't get the "I want to buy something but I don't know what."

Anyway, the most recent thing I bought was a Roku for my older TV. I like it. Yours might already have that built-in.

I figured I'd get some of these comments. Though the nature of the post doesn't seem like it, I'm a very frugal person. However, sometimes you just feel like a toy. And, the toys that excite me are gadgets or tech gadgets. I'm not aware of every single gadget that there is out there, so I was curious what others have been interested in getting or have gotten. It's generally more of a fun post. And no, I am not the type of person who says I want, want want an need, need, need

So far, I think there's been some interesting responses.


P.S TV is too old. It's not a smart TV. But, I did buy a streaming service for it. We actually have pulled the Cable Cord and only watch stuff streaming now. But, a good suggestion!

[livesoft]

Nowadays a new car or SUV is a tech gadget.

[DaftInvestor]

Smart Home stuff (Thermostat, Doorbell, etc.).
I like the Drone idea too - might be fun since you enjoy photography already.
If you like music you can also get the latest blue-tooth headphones - seems a big market there too.
And then there is VR stuff for gaming, watching documentaries, etc.

[123]

Not sure if it counts, but I'm buying an e-assisted fat bike ... that will cruise at 25mph for 30 miles or so without almost any effort from me; that's something I'll use almost daily.

Just don't give yourself too much credit for exercising.

[CreativeUserName]

A Tesla Model 3 seems like a pretty neat tech gadget.

[Barsoom]

All the guys at work really like the Oculus Rift. Be careful, though. Several of them have hurt themselves leaning on things that didn’t exist.

I have the simple Android goggles that you plug your phone into, but I want one for the computer.

My problem is that my computer's (Microsoft Book 1) nVidia GPU is just below the VR requirement to drive their glasses. That means I need to buy a new computer with a more powerful GPU, but I just can't justify that right now. Maybe when the Book 3 comes out...

-B

[yolli71]

Another vote for home gadgets (Ring, Nest, Blink, Rachio, Sense, Alexa devices, etc.). Sonos might be nice too (I'm thinking about that).

[bluebolt]

OP - What problem are you trying to solve? More convenience, more time, more entertainment...

[nisiprius]

Image-stabilized binoculars. That is, I have no idea if they're wonderful or not, I just know I'd like to have them and find out if they're wonderful.

[stoptothink]

Not sure if it counts, but I'm buying an e-assisted fat bike ... that will cruise at 25mph for 30 miles or so without almost any effort from me; that's something I'll use almost daily.

Just don't give yourself too much credit for exercising.

Well, I'm an exercise physiologist who (not so humble brag) can deadlift extremely close to 3x his bodyweight and still run a sub 20min 5k. I also don't own a car (well, the wife and I share one, but I never drive it) and walk or ride my bike for about 98% of my commuting. I'm not all that concerned about extra exercise.

[khh]

A DVD rewinder.

[rendiggy]

Sit stand desk - look at varidesk or fully.com depending on what you like
Kindle or Sony dpt-rp1 reader - look at the Sony for some serious Geek lust
Headphones
Audible subscription
Binoculars
Dronesz

[Retrograde]

I second the recommendation for a drone. You can get decent, cheap drones for $40. No need to buy an expensive one until you decide whether you like flying them.

[pochax]

maybe buy a book on the dangers of tech gadgets. here are two well-reviewed ones:
iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us
https://www.amazon.com/iGen-Super-Conne ... rebellious

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735222843/re ... 99168&sr=3

[snackdog]

I've always wanted a Tricorder.

[remomnyc]

Not a gadget, but we just bought a Spotify subscription. Having access to all my old music and exploring new music on every platform gives me so much pleasure.

[srt7]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

This would be my first suggestion as well. Second would be an apple watch (or android equivalent if you're in that ecosystem).

[2015]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

This.
Over the long run, spending for the sake of spending doesn't end well. We are constantly becoming as a result of the actions we take daily.

Yeah, I don't get the "I want to buy something but I don't know what."

Anyway, the most recent thing I bought was a Roku for my older TV. I like it. Yours might already have that built-in.

I figured I'd get some of these comments. Though the nature of the post doesn't seem like it, I'm a very frugal person. However, sometimes you just feel like a toy. And, the toys that excite me are gadgets or tech gadgets. I'm not aware of every single gadget that there is out there, so I was curious what others have been interested in getting or have gotten. It's generally more of a fun post. And no, I am not the type of person who says I want, want want an need, need, need

So far, I think there's been some interesting responses.


P.S TV is too old. It's not a smart TV. But, I did buy a streaming service for it. We actually have pulled the Cable Cord and only watch stuff streaming now. But, a good suggestion!

Can't say I disagree with you. Life is much shorter than we realize (until we get closer to the end, usually), and sometimes you just have to go out and do something that makes you happy. Sometimes that involves spending money on what others might view as "frivolous." It's the habit of doing that we have to watch out for!

[Lynette]

I'd like to have two types of gadgets or apps:
1. Voice-to-text function that would accurately transcribe my accent.
2. Handwriting recognition: not writing with a stylus on a tablet but feeding my handwritten notes and getting back typed text.

Victoria

Yes, well .. can you say what you want transcribed in Russian? Google Translate is becoming quite good at understanding my accent when I speak in English - not so good with Spanish. You could speak into the side of Google Translate in Russian and then it will translate into English. You could correct any mistakes it makes on the English side.

[02nz]

TV is too old. It's not a smart TV. But, I did buy a streaming service for it. We actually have pulled the Cable Cord and only watch stuff streaming now. But, a good suggestion!

I also don't think you should buy gadgets "just because." But if you care about picture quality, an OLED is a huge upgrade from any seven-year-old TV. A 55-inch is now around $1200-1600, sometimes even cheaper if you keep an eye out for deals at slickdeals.net.

[nexesn]

If you have no clue what you want then don't look to buy something

This.
Over the long run, spending for the sake of spending doesn't end well. We are constantly becoming as a result of the actions we take daily.

Yeah, I don't get the "I want to buy something but I don't know what."

Anyway, the most recent thing I bought was a Roku for my older TV. I like it. Yours might already have that built-in.

I figured I'd get some of these comments. Though the nature of the post doesn't seem like it, I'm a very frugal person. However, sometimes you just feel like a toy. And, the toys that excite me are gadgets or tech gadgets. I'm not aware of every single gadget that there is out there, so I was curious what others have been interested in getting or have gotten. It's generally more of a fun post. And no, I am not the type of person who says I want, want want an need, need, need

So far, I think there's been some interesting responses.


P.S TV is too old. It's not a smart TV. But, I did buy a streaming service for it. We actually have pulled the Cable Cord and only watch stuff streaming now. But, a good suggestion!

Can't say I disagree with you. Life is much shorter than we realize (until we get closer to the end, usually), and sometimes you just have to go out and do something that makes you happy. Sometimes that involves spending money on what others might view as "frivolous." It's the habit of doing that we have to watch out for!

We're good at saving and generally live cost conscious lives (My last big purchase was a sweater for $39- I didn't really need it, but it had been a few years since I'd purchased one, and it was on sale from $98). Sometimes I just get the toy bug .

One poster asked if I was trying to solve for anything. Not really. Just curios what others would purchase. Sometimes it gives me inspiration .


1. Would love a drone. I just wish I lived in a city where I'd have the room to fly it without it crashing into buildings .
2. Home automation would be fun. It's amazing how much is coming out in the field. We're getting closer and closer to the Jetsons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsjgGOPanGI
3. Applewatch could be fun.

[nejamefamily]

Air pods are life changing. So is TiVo.

[bluebolt]

If you have more than a trivial A/V setup and you don't already have one, get one of these:

Harmony Companion
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/ ... -companion

$105 on Amazon

[dsmclone]

I own about every piece of technology known to man.

Ipad-Not a big fan of iOS but I love my ipad.
PC-Built my own rig a few years back. Built it powerful enough to handle VR
Oculus Rift-Had one. Very cool but I didn't use it as much as I thought so I sold it.
Ecobee-Nothing exciting but it works well
Smart speakers-One Echo dot, 1 google home, 3 google minis, and one new 10" Lenova Google assistant. I have the dot sitting in a box because it's not as smart as the google devices. The Lenova sits in the kitchen and is handy for cooking. I use all the Google products to control everything from TV's Lights, podcasts, alarms, questions, routines, etc. For example, I can say "ok google, good morning" and it will read my personalized news, tell me the weather, tell me the time, turn on a light, play my favorite blog, etc.
Smart Garage door-The technology isn't a big deal, it will allow me to remotely open my door. I will say that I wish I would have moved from chain to belt drive a LONG time ago. So quiet.
Chromecast-Mostly use it to show my wife stuff I find on my phone or ipad.
Chromebook-4 years old and runs like new. If I didn't have a PC, I would use this all the time.
Security cameras-Use a nest outside but have both Canary and Wyze camera in the house. If I was to do it again, I would save my money with the indoor cameras and just get Wyze. I do like that I can show the Next outdoor camera on my TV or the Lenova smart display "ok google, show outside".
Smart Lights-Went with Hue, no issues
Harmony-I've got a ton of Harmony remotes but my favorites is the hub version which allows google assistant to control things
Home Theater-Too many things to mention but nothing else like a 120" 4k home theater on game day or movie night.
PS4-Yes it may be for younger people but love playing certain games on it. Love Gran Turismo games and made my own steering wheel.seat combo but that was for the PS3 I had.
TV-I have a Vizio 55" 4k TV in our living room but if I had to buy a replacement tomorrow I'd get a 65" LG OLED
Roku-I have a couple Roku Ultra's. My TV and other devices have most of the apps built in but most are not 4k and the Roku is cheap and easy.

[MP123]

You can get a quadcopter drone with a camera in it for under $100. Fun to play around with and can even be flown indoors if you want.

[nexesn]

If you have more than a trivial A/V setup and you don't already have one, get one of these:

Harmony Companion
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/ ... -companion

$105 on Amazon

Thanks for this information! I know a friend who could really use one of these. The last time I used one (several years ago) they didn't have a hub. I like the fact you speak commands using this with Alexa or Google Home.

[nexesn]

If you have more than a trivial A/V setup and you don't already have one, get one of these:

Harmony Companion
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/ ... -companion

$105 on Amazon

Thanks for this information! I know a friend who could really use one of these. The last time I used one (several years ago) they didn't have a hub. I like the fact you speak commands using this with Alexa or Google Home.


Sorry, I don't know why my post posted twice....

[gtd98765]

I just bought a stand-off infra-red thermometer for $16 for a project. My daughter and I have been measuring the temperature of everything around the house. It has been loads of fun.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083 ... UTF8&psc=1

[nexesn]

I just bought a stand-off infra-red thermometer for $16 for a project. My daughter and I have been measuring the temperature of everything around the house. It has been loads of fun.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083 ... UTF8&psc=1

That's pretty cool! Especially for the price!

[Point]

Last year I got fed up with having e several power tools all using different batteries. They were constantly dead. So, I recycled them all and standardized around Milwaukee tools which use the same battery. Wow! Now I have an assortment of great tools and always have a charged battery for the one I want to use. And my battery cost drops as I only need enough at any one time for the jobs I’m doing. So annual battery replacement cost will be minimized!

Buy a tool and have fun!

[bhsince87]

Image-stabilized binoculars. That is, I have no idea if they're wonderful or not, I just know I'd like to have them and find out if they're wonderful.

I have them. And they are wonderful!

[MN-Investor]

Check out The Wirecutter - Electronics Reviews for ideas. The Wirecutter reviews products and I like to check out what they have to say about items I'm thinking of buying. Just page down their review of electronics and click on any that catch your eye. If nothing else, it's an interesting education about what's out there.